Maha Shivratri 2024: Know puja timings, shubh muhurat, puja vidhi, fasting rules, other details

By  Shefali Kohli March 8th 2024 08:31 AM

Maha Shivratri 2024 : Maha Shivratri, which essentially translates to 'the great night of Shiva', is considered one of the most auspicious festivals of the country. It is celebrated annually with much fervour and excitement across India. The chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' is heard throughout the nation on this day. This year, the Mahashivratri is being celebrated on March 8.

The festival is celebrated across the country, with some regions mixing their own unique traditions into age-old traditional practices. Devotees seeking spiritual upliftment and divine blessings follow fasting rules and rituals that are central to this auspicious occasion.

shiv mandir.jpg

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Lord Shiva, known as Mrityunjaya (the conqueror of death), represents eternal prana, the force of eternal existence. He also practices intense yoga, demonstrating the path of knowledge to his devotees. 

Maha Shivratri 2024: Shubh Muhurat

According to Drik Pachang, the auspicious shubh muhurat or puja timings are: 

Tithi

Date and Time

Mahashivratri Celebration    March 8, 2024
Chaturdashi Tithi Begins    March 8, 2024 - 09:57 PM
Chaturdashi Tithi Ends    March 9, 2024 - 06:17 PM
Ratri First Prahar Puja    March 8, 2024 - 05:54 PM to 08:56 PM
Ratri Second Prahar Puja    March 8, 2024 - 08:56 PM to 11:57 PM
Ratri Third Prahar Puja    March 8, 2024 - 11:57 PM to March 9, 2024 - 02:58 AM
Ratri Fourth Prahar Puja    March 8, 2024 - 02:58 AM to March 9, 2024 - 06:00 AM
Nishitha Kaal    March 8, 2024 - 11:33 PM to March 9, 2024 - 12:21 AM
Shivratri Parana    March 9, 2024 - 06:00 AM to 02:56 PM

Maha Shivratri 2024: Puja Vidhi and Samagri 

Shiva Lingam: The main symbol of worship for Lord Shiva.
Bilva Leaves: Considered sacred, Bilva leaves are commonly offered to Lord Shiva during puja.
Milk: Another common offering for Abhishekam.
Yogurt (Dahi): Offered during the puja.

Also Read: Know the significance of Maha Shivratri; why it is celebrated?

Rudraksha Beads: Used for chanting mantras.
Honey: Used for Abhishekam and as an offering.
Betel Leaves and Nuts: Offered as part of the puja.
Fruits: Various fruits such as bananas, apples, and oranges are offered.
Sandalwood Paste (Chandan): Used for applying tilak on the Shiva Lingam.
Coconut: Offered as prasad.
Jaggery: Offered as prasad.

 

Maha Shivratri 2024: Fasting Rules  

On Mahashivratri several devotees opt for 'Nirjala vrat' where they consume no water or food throughout the day. However, as not many can perform this type of fast, hence a majority of the people keep a fast where they can have fruits, milk, and non-grain items.

Maha Shivratri

The festival is celebrated with great enthusiasm across India and in many other countries with significant Hindu populations. It is a time for spiritual renewal, self-reflection, and seeking divine grace from Lord Shiva.

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